Justice Advocate - Moree - (22.5 hours per/week)

At the Justice Advocacy Service (JAS), we are deeply dedicated to empowering and protecting young people and adults with cognitive impairment as they navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system. Whether they are suspects, defendants, victims, or witnesses, we stand by their side—providing support during court proceedings. Our commitment extends to ensuring suspects receive appropriate assistance while under arrest and victims feel supported when giving statements. We believe in fairness, dignity, and advocacy at every stage.

Contract position up to 30 June 2027 – extension dependent on on-going funding 22.5 hours per week

Salary range $41.48 - $51.51 per hour plus 11.5% super + Not For Profit salary packaging benefits. The salary for the position is based on Level 5 of the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award.

We strongly encourage First Nations people to apply for this role. More than 30% of Justice Advocacy Service (JAS) clients are First Nations individuals with cognitive impairment, and this role provides a meaningful opportunity to support their rights and access to justice. As a Justice Advocate, your cultural knowledge and understanding of community will be invaluable in ensuring fair treatment, respectful advocacy, and tailored support throughout the criminal justice process.

ABOUT THE JUSTICE ADVOCACY SERVICE (JAS)

Justice Advocacy Service (JAS) is a free service dedicated to ensuring that young people and adults with cognitive impairment can confidently exercise their rights when interacting with the NSW criminal justice system. With the invaluable support of our passionate volunteers, JAS offers assistance to individuals with diverse cognitive challenges, including intellectual disability, borderline intellectual function, acquired brain injury, alcohol and drug-related brain injury (such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder), autism spectrum disorder, and dementia.

We stand with victims, witnesses, suspects, and defendants throughout every phase of the justice process, ensuring they are heard, respected, and supported. At JAS, advocacy isn't just what we do—it’s who we are.

ABOUT IDRS

Intellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS) operates a disability advocacy service and community legal centre. IDRS aims to ‘make rights real’ for people with intellectual and other cognitive impairments through a variety of legal and advocacy services. We strive to demonstrate our values of justice, respect and persistence in all our work.

Visit our website www.idrs.org.au for more information about IDRS.

JUSTICE ADVOCATE ROLE - KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Justice Advocates coordinate, support and debrief local volunteers and Police Station Support Workers to provide a quality support and advocacy service to people with cognitive impairment when they are involved in the criminal justice system as victims, witnesses, suspects and/or defendants.

Justice Advocates also deliver support to people with cognitive impairment when a volunteer/police station support worker is unavailable or where a client’s needs require a more intensive level of support due to the nature of the offence(s) and/or the complexity of the client’s situation.

Justice Advocates focus on the specific needs and rights of their clients and support clients to assert their rights, challenge decisions and actions which restrict their opportunities and to obtain justice and equality in their daily lives.

EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

IDRS is very serious about its duty to provide clients with a safe and professional service and to providing all people working at IDRS with a safe and healthy working environment.

We are committed to fairness and inclusion, and having a criminal record does not automatically exclude you from applying for this role. While we conduct employment screening, we consider each applicant’s circumstances individually and value lived experience. If you are passionate about supporting people with cognitive impairment in the justice system, we encourage you to apply.

SELECTION CRITERIA (MUST BE ADDRESSED)

Applicants must provide clear examples of how they meet each of the following criteria for their application to be considered:

Experience working with diverse communities – Demonstrated experience supporting individuals with cognitive impairment or other socially disadvantaged groups, including examples of past roles, responsibilities, or projects.

Advocacy skills – Proven ability to advocate within the scope of the role to achieve fair and just outcomes for marginalised individuals in court proceedings, with real-world examples of advocacy efforts.

Communication skills – Ability to convey complex ideas simply and clearly, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of clients and stakeholders. Applicants should describe relevant experiences where they have applied strong communication skills.

Technical proficiency – Competency in using client databases and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and SharePoint. Applicants must detail their experience working with these tools.

Understanding of systemic barriers – Awareness of the challenges impacting the rights of victims, suspects, and defendants with cognitive impairment within the criminal justice system, including how they have addressed or worked within these barriers.

Teamwork and independence – Proven ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a small team environment, with practical examples of teamwork and self-directed work.

Cultural competence – Commitment to fostering a culturally safe and supportive space for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service users. Applicants should demonstrate their understanding and experience in culturally responsive practice.

Volunteer support – Skills and ability to mentor, support, and debrief frontline volunteers to ensure high-quality advocacy and service delivery, with specific examples of volunteer engagement.

Desirable skills, knowledge, experience

Qualification in disability, human services and/or relevant management qualification.

Experience working in and/or knowledge of the NSW the criminal justice system.

Good understanding of work, health & safety responsibilities including self-care strategies.

Note: A National Police Check will be conducted for recommended applicants.
After hours and weekend on-call work is required to support the efficient and quality delivery of the JAS after hours service to people with cognitive impairment in police custody. A working with children clearance is also required

TO APPLY

Please use the selection criteria skills, knowledge, experience as headings in your cover letter submitted via SEEK. All selection criteria must be addressed in order for your application to be considered.

CONTACT

For enquiries, please contact Kelly Watson via email [email protected] using the subject line: Justice Advocate Position, or telephone during business hours Monday to Friday on 0447 180 141.

SELECTION PROCESS

All Selection Criteria MUST be addressed in order for your application to be considered.

Shortly after the closing date, all applications will be assessed against the selection criteria. If your application is shortlisted you will be contacted by phone or email to invite you to an interview. If you do not hear from us within a couple of weeks from the closing date, unfortunately it is unlikely you have proceeded to the interview stage. You are welcome to apply for future roles.

Applications close 11.59pm AEDT, Sunday 25 May 2025.